New packaging and processing
technologies and materials are becoming increasingly creative to enhance
product differentiation. As a result, pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals
companies alike are exploring novel ways to elevate their image, implementing flexible,
convenient formats like pouches and active packaging components like sensors.

Serialization and
track-and-trace remain top of mind with pharmaceutical companies seeking ways
to implement more robust methods of counterfeit prevention through blockchain’s
innate tracking capabilities.

Four years after its
introduction into pharma, 3D printing
has moved from possibility to potential game-changing technology in the
pharmaceutical sector. Healthcare Packaging
reports that the technology is already making considerable in-roads
in medical devices. Contributing editor Tim Hayes reports that one medical
device company plans to open an on-site 3D printing facility in New York City’s
Hospital for Special Surgery. At the center, the 3D printer will work closely
with the hospital’s physicians to produce patient-specific implants for a range
of orthopedic conditions.

Expected to be in operation
by early 2020, the facility will act as a test operation for rolling out
potential 3D printing services to hospitals across the U.S.

Our last post of 2018
touched on the aging population and the effect 78.0 million people aged 65
years and older by 2035 will have on pharmaceutical manufacturers. Another
aspect of improved global healthcare and people living longer will increase the
number of people living with chronic illnesses.

As Healthcare Packaging editor Jim Butschli
reported in a recent Q&A with Joe Reynolds,
Research Manager at Noble, “chronic illnesses such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis
(MS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are expected to skyrocket in the coming years.
Treating these diseases successfully—and managing their associated health care
costs—will depend in large part on patient adherence to medication regimens
that may require daily, biweekly or monthly injections.”

One way to ensure adherence,
as noted in Butschli’s piece involves training consumers how to self-inject
medications in their homes. Noble and BD recently partnered to address patient
onboarding training to self-administration of injectable medications. I
recommend clicking on the full Q&A.

Healthcare Packaging Expo will provide a compelling opportunity for pharmaceutical and medical device
manufacturers to converge and see the latest life science solutions. Owned and
produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies,
the show will also offer educational programming and opportunities to
cross-pollinate ideas among industries showcasing PACK EXPO Las Vegas. Register
and learn more at hcpelasvegas.com.

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PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, represents more than 850 North American manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, components and materials as well as providers of related equipment and services to the packaging and processing industry. We work to advance a variety of industries by connecting consumer goods companies with manufacturing solutions through the world-class PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows, leading trade media and a wide range of resources to empower our members.